Twilight Motel expansion gains recommendation

Twilight Motel is a step closer to tripling in size with a positive site plan recommendation from the Midland Planning Commission on a close vote.

Niche Properties wants to add two 10-unit buildings on about 1 acre at 4659 and 4671 S. Saginaw Road. The site would have three access driveways — a design that was approved by the Midland County Road Commission, which has jurisdiction over that portion of the road, but was a point for concern for some city planning commissioners. The planning commission recommended approval of the site plan in a 4-3 vote.

Commissioner Ray Senesac said having three driveways wouldn’t meet the city’s goal for access control, even if the county would allow it. He said the buildings would be too large for the property, which is what caused the proposed driveway configuration.

“I think the site’s being overbuilt and I plan to vote against it,” he said before the vote.

The driveways also were a concern for commissioner Lowell McLaughlin, who said if the developer created a courtyard with green space and parking, it would be a more workable plan with safer access onto Saginaw.

He and commissioner Dave Heying gave the other to no votes.

Commissioner Shawn Pnacek said with the county road commission’s approval of the driveway configuration, he was comfortable with the plan. He voted with three others to approve it.

At a previous meeting, neighbors expressed concerns about children playing unintended at the motel and their safety if more units are added. Midland Planning and Community Development Director Brad Kaye said the motel’s policy is to not provide rooms to people with children and it intends to follow that policy in the future.

The Midland City Council will now host a public hearing and vote on final approval during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. March 25 at Midland City Hall, 333 W. Ellsworth St.